Computer Engineering Major

BS degree

The Computer Engineering program prepares students to meet changing high-technology needs in computer engineering, and for graduate study, by providing a strong background in science, mathematics and engineering.

Computer Engineering encompasses a broad spectrum of challenging activities including research, design, and development of computer systems hardware and software, as well as the electronic or software components that comprise these systems. The Computer Engineering program prepares students to meet the changing high-technology needs in the computer engineering area, and for graduate study, by imparting a strong background in science, mathematics, and engineering.

The program consists of a core of basic science and mathematics courses interwoven throughout the four years of study. The student also selects 18 credit hours in a general education curriculum called University Studies. Students begin to identify with their field in the first and second year of study. In the junior year, students gain a foundation in computer systems. A senior year composed primarily of elective courses and a capstone design project allows the students to concentrate their studies in one or more areas of their choice, and hone their skills for the real world. A co-op or internship experience is also available for qualified students in cooperation with regional industries.

Students may join the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), a professional society with a student branch in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Qualified students can join the Zeta Xi Chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, the Electrical and Computer Engineering National Honor Society.

Calculation of the GPA in the Computer Engineering Major

In order to graduate students must have a minimum 2.000 cumulative grade point average (GPA) for all courses taken at the university. Students must also have a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA in the major. For purposes of this computation:

All courses that are used to fulfill degree requirements and have an ECE prefix (except ECE 298, ECE 400, ECE 401, ECE 495 or ECE 595) or a CIS prefix numbered 200 or above (except CIS 298, CIS 411, CIS 491, CIS 492, CIS 495 or CIS 595) count in calculating the GPA for the major.

Courses required for the major but taken outside the major discipline are not counted.

If a course is repeated, only the most recent course grade (whether higher or lower) shall be used to calculate the major cumulative GPA.

Total credits: 128

Footnotes

* Alternative courses should only be taken in exceptional circumstances and with the written permission of an ECE faculty advisor; MTH 151 in lieu of MTH 153; MTH 152 in lieu of MTH 154; MTH 211 in lieu of MTH 213; PHY 113 in lieu of PHY 111; PHY 114 in lieu of PHY 112).

[1] See University Studies requirements, Clusters 3 and 4.

[2] Must be chosen from the University Studies Cluster 2B (Science in the Engaged Community) approved list and be a BIO, BNG, CHM, or MLS course; or a PHY course numbered above 150.

[3] Must be taken from approved list of courses.

Technical Electives in Computer Engineering

Technical electives are courses above and beyond the required courses that allow computer engineering students to broaden or deepen their engineering knowledge in one or more technical areas. Students are required to take two technical electives. Generally, allowable technical electives are any 400- or 500- level courses in the College of Engineering (BNG, CEN, CIS, ECE, MNE, or PHY departments) except seminars, independent study, directed study, internship, or required courses within the program. Additional allowable courses are:

Choices of technical electives must always be discussed with, and approved by, the student’s academic advisor prior to enrollment. Some restrictions are:

No more than one technical elective course may be taken from outside the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Only 400-level courses can be used as technical electives.

The student must have the required prerequisites and/or co-requisites for each course.

Enrollment in 500-level courses requires a grade point average of at least 3.000, senior standing, and the written permission of the instructor.

University Studies Requirements for Computer Engineering

Degree candidates for the BS degree in Computer Engineering must satisfy the University Studies requirements as described in the Academic Policies section of this Catalog.

University Studies requirements in Clusters 1, 2A, and 5 are automatically satisfied by the courses shown as required for this major.

The University Studies requirements in Clusters 2B, 3, and 4 may be fulfilled by selecting courses from the approved lists in each cluster, using the University Studies electives shown in the course requirement tables for each major.

University Studies Departmental Requirements

Students majoring in Computer Engineering will meet their departmentally-determined University Studies requirements as follows: